End-User Systems Paper

The end user systems have helped shaped our world to what it is today. End user systems were born with the creation of the personal computer (PC). Where it stands today, within the United States more than half of the population has a personal computer at home. These end user systems have been created from fourth-generation software tools. Supported by non-IS technical specialists, end user systems have provided assistance to employees and everyday users all across the globe. Examples of these end user systems are; voicemail, printers, e-mail, scanners, outlook, word processors, and distance learning software. As an employee at the University of Phoenix, I have seen this distance learning software change lives. There is nothing like helping a single, working, and mother of three who didn't believe in herself because she didn't have time for school in the past. This end user system of distance learning software has made it possible for her to reach her goals and prove to herself that she can go to college and can graduate. This end user system is not always easy for first time users to adjust too, but once this system has been understood, it really can change lives. I can honestly say that without distance learning I would never have time for school with my busy schedule. I work two jobs and lead a very busy life style. Without end user systems such as distance learning I wouldn't have the ability to go to school full time.

There are two types of workers, knowledge workers and manual workers. The manual worker would usually be the more productive and type of worker that most companies would like to have hired on 50 years ago. Now the times have changed, most companies are looking for knowledge workers. Either way, knowledge counts within any organization. Whether employees are loading crates, helping make executive decisions, or designing products, it is important to have had working hands on or informational knowledgeable workers. Small percentages of employees within any company or organization are knowledge workers. These types of information workers are responsible for creating policies, marketing strategies, and producing new updated products for companies. These types of knowledge workers are very important and valuable to any company. These types of employees are very end user system friendly. This is where their valuable assets are developed and carry onto their job titles and duties. Most times organizations segregate the knowledge worker. These types of employees are usually targeted by technology marketers, human resource departments, and are critiqued and analyzed by management consultants. These types of workers excel in the information technology field such as technical writers, programmers, and researchers.

Information technology has helped changed organizational structure over the years. The development of information technology has changed work organization, structure, and offering new products. This